Post Rome, Pre Bologna
 

It is possible that we may have a few days to spend enroute from Rome to Bologna. I am really torn between all the choices. We would prefer a town with easy rail access and we don't want to go to Florence, having spent a lot of time there, on several trips, in the recent past.

What do you think of Orvieto? One night, or two? Any other suggestions?

How about Siena? We have been there briefly, on day trips.

If anyone makes a suggestion, could you also throw in a hotel, under 140 E a night?

Many thanks.

Why not spend a night in each? If I had to pick one over the other, it would be Siena. I spent a night in Orvieto on my last trip, and that was plenty, but I keep returning to Siena every couple of years.

Thanks for the reply, HollyU. I wouldn't like to move that much, as I am desperate for a little relaxation. Plus this has come up at the last minute, and I'm stressed squared! But Siena would be nice.

I was only in Orvieto on a day trip, and my daughter got sick, so we spent most of our time ministering to her in a strange town without a room. That wasn't fun. But I wasn't left with an overwhelming desire to go back and see what I missed.

Orvieto is only in the running at all because everytime we go by it, on the highway or in a train, my husband seems like he wants to go there.

Do you have any suggestions for a hotel in Siena? We would like to spend less than 150 Euros if possible.

Florence !?!

WallyK: see my original post. I do love Florence, but have spent a lot of time there in recent years, and wish for something new.

These plans are VERY last minute and I feel like I'm getting nowhere, fast. I am now thinking about Rome > Bologna > Verona > Venice.

Or substituting Padova for Verona. Anyone out there have a preference?

assisi?

bradykp: like Assisi a lot, too. Actually, I am a great lover of all things connected to San Francesco, and have been to Assisi three times. Don't you think that area is better with a car? What is your opinion? I don't really think of Assisi as having easy rail access, but I guess it isn't that bad.

But how about Perugia? I think it is easier to get in and out of Perugia by rail, and I've only been there on a day trip. Anyone have any more thoughts?

Here is where I'm booked in Siena for a couple nights on my next trip:

http://www.residenzadepoca.it/

They also have a page on tuscanynet.com.

If you're trying to decide between Padua and Verona, I would go to Padua, hands down. I just think it has a lot more to offer than Verona. If you decide to go to Perugia, stay inside the centro storico area rather than outside and down the hill. You can take a cab or a bus from the stazzione.

We liked Verona much better than Padova. But that's a personal thing, and probably also had a lot to do with the specific day we were there. You can read our trip report from our time in Emilia-Romagna and the Veneto here:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34692313

Orvieto, Siena, Perugia, or just straight to Bologna with more day trips -- I don't think you could go wrong with any of those. All are wonderful.

ttt

There are many interesting things to do in both Verona and Padova. However, I think I would prefer to stay in Verona. and if time allowed daytrip from there to Padova.